Navigating Fertility at Work

Q: I have ordered a test kit but do not wish to proceed. Will I be charged?

An admin fee of £29 will be charged if you wish to cancel the order after it is processed. We operate a 7-day service so this will also apply to orders placed on weekends too. If you've used Shopify, PayPal and Stripe you will not be refunded the card processing fee for the use of their service. This is typically up to 3% of the transaction fee. Likewise if you use Humm or Split-it your refund will depend on their terms and conditions. Their fees are typically up to 5% of the transaction fee and in addition to the fees charged by Shopify, PayPal and Stripe. Kindly read their T&Cs before using these payment gateways. Kindly read our Terms and Conditions page for more detailed information on our refund policy.

Q: I am unable to attend my appointment/want to cancel my appointment. What should I do?

Please inform us immediately if you are not able to attend the appointment offered or want to cancel your appointment. We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. An admin fee of £29 will be charged if you wish to cancel the order after it is processed. We operate a 7-day service so this will also apply to orders placed on weekends too. If you've used Shopify, PayPal and Stripe you will not be refunded the card processing fee for the use of their service. This is typically up to 3% of the transaction fee. Likewise if you use Humm or Split-it your refund will depend on their terms and conditions. Their fees are typically up to 5% of the transaction fee and in addition to the fees charged by Shopify, PayPal and Stripe. Kindly read their T&Cs before using these payment gateways. Kindly read our Terms and Conditions page for more detailed information on our refund policy.

Q: I do not have a GP referral. Can I self-refer?

Certainly! You do not need a referral from your NHS GP or a consultant to use our services.

Q: I am looking for a service that is not listed. What should I do?

Please contact us by completing our get in touch form providing information of the service you require, where you are based and how soon you need the results.

Q: I am having treatment at another clinic. May I use your services?

Yes, of course you can. You will receive your results via email or our secure online portal. You can then share your results with your doctor

Q: I am a registered patient and I need to upload information to my patient records. How can I do that?

Please upload your results to the patient portal.

Q: I have received a home test kit but need to reorder as I was unable to collect the required amount of sample needed to do the test. Will I be charged?

You will be charged an admin fee of £29 to reorder the test kit.

Q: Will the data I share with you be kept confidential?

Of course! We will only share your information with providers of services that you have requested. We may contact you from time to time but you can unsubscribe at anytime if you are no more interested in our services. Please read our privacy policy for further information.

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Going through fertility treatment can be one of the most emotional and physically demanding experiences of your life. Balancing this alongside your job can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re considering IVF, in the middle of treatment, or thinking about how to bring up the subject at work, it’s important to know your rights, how to approach conversations with your employer, and what support you can reasonably expect.

This guide focuses on helping employees navigate fertility and employment in the UK, with practical advice to make the process feel a little less daunting.

Your Rights Under UK Law

Fertility treatment isn’t yet specifically protected by employment law in the UK, but there are important rules that may help you:

Time off for appointments
There’s no automatic right to paid time off for IVF or fertility appointments. However, many employers allow you to use annual leave, unpaid leave, or flexible working. It’s worth checking your employment contract or staff handbook for any policies.
Pregnancy protection after IVF
From the point of embryo transfer, you are legally considered pregnant. This means you are protected against discrimination, unfair dismissal, or negative treatment. If the cycle is unsuccessful, these rights continue for two weeks after the transfer.
Sex discrimination law
If you are treated unfairly because you’re undergoing fertility treatment, this could count as sex discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Flexible working requests
If you’ve been with your employer for 26 weeks or more, you can make a statutory request for flexible working. This might help with fitting in appointments, recovery days, or reducing stress.

Knowing these basics can give you more confidence when discussing fertility and employment with your workplace.

Talking to Your Employer About IVF Whilst Working

The idea of raising fertility treatments or IVF at work can feel intimidating. Here are some steps to help you manage the conversation:

Choose the right person
Usually your line manager or HR, but you might prefer to invite a trusted colleague or mentor to support you in the meeting.
Decide how much to share
You don’t need to go into medical detail. A simple explanation that you’re undergoing treatment and may need time off is enough.
Plan ahead
Fertility treatment often involves last-minute appointments. Letting your employer know in advance means they can plan cover more easily.
Keep a written record
Following up your conversation with an email helps avoid misunderstandings later.
Know it’s your right to be supported
If you experience negative treatment because of fertility treatment, you are protected by law.

Practical Ways to Balance Work and Fertility Treatment

Even with an understanding employer, fertility treatment can feel exhausting. Here are some tips to help manage both:

Use annual leave strategically
Booking days off around procedures can reduce stress without needing to disclose every appointment.
Ask about flexible hours or remote working
Small adjustments, like starting later or working from home after a procedure, can make a big difference.
Look after your wellbeing
Fertility treatment can be emotionally tough. If your workplace has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or access to counselling, don’t hesitate to use it.
Lean on your support network
If your workplace culture is open, speaking with colleagues can help you feel less isolated.

What Support You Can Expect from Your Employer

While not all companies have a fertility policy yet, many are moving in that direction. Depending on your workplace, you might be able to access:

Paid or unpaid leave for appointments
A fertility-friendly HR policy
Managerial support and understanding
Counselling or wellbeing services
Peer support groups

If your employer doesn’t yet have a fertility policy, raising the idea could help pave the way for change, not only for you but for others in the future.

Final Thoughts

Balancing fertility and employment is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it in silence. Knowing your rights, preparing for conversations, and asking for support can make a big difference to how manageable the process feels.

If you’re undergoing IVF whilst working, remember: you are protected by law, you are entitled to request flexibility, and you deserve compassion at work. With the right communication and support, it is possible to navigate fertility treatment and your career side by side.

Need Fertility Advice?

Why not schedule a FREE 20 minute Advisory Call with a member of our team to discuss any concerns and explore available options for you to consider on your fertility journey.

Alternatively, if you are ready to start your journey - you can arrange a consultation directly with our founder and leading fertility specialist, Dr Irfana Koita.